This is a 2000 Mercedes-Benz SL280 finished in Dark Metallic Blue with a Tan Leather interior, she is Automatic, has the Hard and Soft Tops and is showing 71k Miles from new! The previous owner cherished this car for 14 years.

In 1989, Mercedes-Benz retired its classic Type 107 bodyshell that had been used for a succession of beautiful sports roadsters for almost the preceding 20 years, replacing it with an equally appealing, sleek new design in the modern idiom. This new Type 129 body style was used - initially - for three different engine types: 6.0-litre V12, 5.0-litre V8, and a 3.0-litre straight six that was available in 12- and 24-valve versions in the 300 SL. In 1992 the 300 SL was, in effect, replaced by two new 24-valve models - the SL 280 and SL 320 - powered by 193bhp 2.8-litre and 231bhp 3.2-litre sixes respectively, the latter boasting a 0-60 mph time of 8.4 seconds and top speed of 150mph.

As one might expect, these new SL luxury sports cars were designed to be world leaders in their class and were lavishly equipped in the best Mercedes-Benz tradition. The Nappa leather-upholstered interior featured heated front seats, leather-covered steering wheel/gearshift, and walnut or chestnut wood trim, while incorporating the very latest in automotive technology. As well as being electrically adjustable, the front seats, mirrors and steering column also 'remembered' settings, allowing several customised driving positions, interchangeable at the push of a button. Far too extensive to list there, the SL's generous equipment list included anti-lock brakes, power-assisted steering, acceleration skid control (ASR), electronic stability programme (ESP), driver/passenger air bags, automatic climate control, five-speed electronic automatic transmission etc.

This SL 280 left the factory with the lovely Bluey Greeny Metallic paintwork, Tan leather interior upholstery and smart walnut inlays. It rides on the correct set of 17-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels, which are wrapped with Kumho tyres. Factory-fitted equipment includes heated seats, electric windows, air conditioning, a CD player and the desirable hard-top roof.

The car has been driven with the hardtop roof fitted for many years, and the soft-top convertible roof is in very good condition although the rear window is slightly cloudy. The paintwork is in good shape, although there are a couple of age related scuffs and scratches. There is a small patch of surface rust in the lower-front corner of the offside front wheel arch. A few kerb scratches can be seen on the alloy wheels, which would benefit from refurbishment in due course. Inside, the tan leather upholstery has just a few light creases, but no rips, tears or other substantial damage. All of the electrics are in good working order. This SL 280 is thought to have been serviced regularly throughout its life, although the last owner has serviced it himself for the last 14 years and there are no invoiced to show, the car was last serviced 6 months ago.

This Mercedes-Benz SL 280 is an elegant modern classic roadster, offered in honest, original condition, and with the desirable hard-top roof. It would now be ideal for top-down drives on warm weekends, though as a relatively low mileage example, it should also make a sleek daily driver for an enthusiast of the marque. A very expensive car when new, these have aged spectacularly well. This low mileage example presents great performance, power, luxury and value and the price reflects the few cosmetic blemishes that need doing! It's ready for the summer!